A Brief Overview of US Open Champions

Deepa Walton serves as an attorney in New York City, where she focuses on ensuring the firm remains compliant with relevant regulations and laws. An avid tennis fan and recreational player, Deepa Walton attends matches each year at the US Open.

The US Open, played annually in Flushing Meadows, New York, is one of the oldest and most prestigious tournaments in men’s and women’s tennis. Established in 1881, it is the fourth and final event of the Grand Slam tennis season, which is also comprised of major events held in Melbourne, Paris, and London.

In the Open era, which refers to the period since 1968 when professionals began competing in major tournaments, three men’s players have won five championships: Roger Federer, Jimmy Connors, and Pete Sampras. Federer won the event five consecutive times between 2004 and 2008 before losing the 2009 final in five sets and reaching a seventh final in 2015. Like Federer, Connors appeared in two additional finals, while Sampras contested eight.

On the women’s side, Americans Serena Williams and Chris Evert have each hoisted six US Open trophies. Evert won the US Open four consecutive times between 1975 and 1978 before adding her fifth and sixth titles in 1980 and 1982. Williams, meanwhile, won the first major of her career at the 1999 US Open and triumphed again in 2002 and 2008. Her best US Open form came years later, however, as she notched three successive wins from 2012 to 2014.

A Brief History of Badminton

A financial professional with nearly a decade of experience in SEC/FINRA regulations, Deepa Bhargava Walton has maintained responsibilities with a New York City-based firm since January 2015. In her spare time, Deepa Bhargava Walton enjoys a number of hobbies, including badminton.

Still a popular sport today, badminton originated more than 2,000 years ago under the names Shuttlecock and Battledore. Initially popular in India, Greece, and China, the game eventually entered high British society during the 1600s. During each game, members of the upper class would gather in pairs and hit the shuttlecock back and forth until it eventually fell to the ground. During this time, players in India favored a similar game called Poon, which had the same structure but also included a net between the players. Once again, this version travelled to England, where it earned the name Badminton after the Duke of Beaufort’s historic manor.

After England hosted the first Badminton Open Tournament in 1898, badminton soon began to gain popularity across the globe. Nearly four decades later, nine countries came together to form the International Badminton Federation and more nations joined in the subsequent years. In 1992, it earned official recognition as an Olympic sport during the games in Barcelona and nearly ten countries have since won medals in the sport.

Choosing the Right Badminton Racket for You

Deepa Bhargava Walton is an attorney in New York and is responsible for ensuring that the company’s operations comply with securities laws and SEC and FINRA regulations. In her free time, Deepa Bhargava Walton enjoys playing badminton.

Many people may not realize that there are a wide variety of badminton rackets to choose from. As with choosing a tennis racket, choosing the right badminton racket plays an important role in your success in the game. Look for a racket that complements your personal strengths: one person’s success with a racket does not guarantee yours, so remember to look at each racket as it relates to you and your skills. When you are looking through rackets, consider factors such as stiffness, weight, and balance point.

Most rackets are divided into three types based on balance. If you want a racket tailored for control, find one that is more weighted in the handle. Meanwhile, for a power racket, look at those with heavier racket heads. You can also choose a balanced racket that offers medium amounts of both. Heavier, stiffer rackets complement power players, while those who prefer players more controlled play may find success with a lighter, more flexible racket.

About Deepa Bhargava Walton

Before joining her most recent firm in January of 2015, Ms. Walton spent six years performing relevant SEC/FINRA oversight as a vice president and senior counsel with New York City’s Citigroup, Inc. Her duties with Citigroup involved reviewing investment research in agreement with Securities Act rules 138 and 139 and FINRA rule 2711.

Outside of work, Ms. Walton enjoys cooking Indian food and traveling internationally. She has been to India as well as a variety of European destinations including Vienna, Austria; Prague, the Czech Republic; and Paris, France, among others.